What Is the Difference Between White, Green & Firecode Drywall?

When You Need Fire-Code Drywall

• Fire-resistant gypsum board, also known as Type X, is required in certain locations -- such as the wall between a garage and a house -- and may be required in other locations by local ordinance. Each state and each county within each state may have different building codes that mandate not only where Type X wallboard must be used, but also what minimum thickness of drywall must be used. There may even be stipulations regarding the type of fasteners -- nails and glue, for instance -- that must be used to secure the board. Also, be careful to follow all regulations for disposing of scraps or unused wallboard.

When to Use Green Drywall

• Drywall that is color-coded green is moisture-resistant. Green drywall is used in areas of high humidity such as kitchens and in certain areas of the bathroom. Keep in mind that most municipalities do not allow the use of green drywall around showers and may restrict its use in laundry rooms, as well. Consult local building codes for areas in which green drywall is permitted, and follow all local ordinances as to its disposal.

When to Use Standard White Drywall

• White drywall is the Wonder Bread of the building industry. Except where fire-retardant -- TypeX -- drywall is mandated or where other specific types of drywall are required by local building codes, white drywall is the most cost-effective and most commonly used form of interior wall covering. White drywall comes in a variety of thicknesses, everything from quarter-inch to a full-inch thick. Follow all local building codes carefully as to the thickness of drywall necessary for your particular application, and dispose of any excess drywall as per local codes.

Summary of Considerations

• First and foremost, consult local building codes as to the type of drywall mandated for specific locations -- such as around showers, in laundry rooms, in garage ceilings and for walls connecting a garage to a house -- and follow all codes regarding the required thickness of the drywall you are using. Cost is another consideration. White drywall is almost always the least expensive and may be used in most areas of construction. Green drywall is more expensive than white drywall, but you may choose to use it in kitchens and for some bathroom walls. Fire-code drywall is generally the most expensive, but is required in most municipalities for specific locations.